Country music stars come out for teachers

Three of country music’s fastest rising stars are performing on Thursday, Aug 26, at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center to raise funds for the Development Foundation of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching.

Performances by Jason Michael Carroll, Josh Thompson and Lee Brice will begin at 9 p.m. with doors opening at 8:30 p.m. All three have had songs on the Billboard Hot Country Songs Chart.

Singer/songwriter Jason Michael Carroll’s 2009 album, “Growing Up Is Getting Old,” holds the hit single, “Hurry Home,” still in regular play. Carroll’s first album, “Waitin’ In the Country” went straight to number one with fan favorites like “Alyssa Lies” and “Livin’ Our Love Song.”

Josh Thompson’s debut album, “Way Out Here,” started climbing the charts as soon as it was released in February. The title track became an immediate hit, joining his 2009 single, “Beer on the Table,” on the Billboard charts.

The latest single from Lee Brice and the title track to his CD, “Love Like Crazy,” is in regular play and has hit the top ten. Brice shares writing credits with the likes of Garth Brooks and Tim McGraw.

Joyce Dugan, director of education for the Cherokee Central School System and a current board member of NCCAT’s Development Foundation, said the concert will benefit one of the region’s greatest assets for teacher education and development.

“NCCAT does so much to keep our teachers at their peak, so they in turn can help our students reach theirs,” said Dugan.

In addition to the concert, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel employees are collecting school supplies and cash gifts for the Development Foundation of NCCAT, which will distribute the supplies to public schools in western North Carolina.

Concertgoers should print out their tickets because there will be drawings for door prizes throughout the evening.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available: 828.293.5202 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Tickers are $9.99 plus a convenience fee, and are available at www.ticketmaster.com. Ages 21 and over only. Parking is free in the Casino Parking Garage or main parking lot. Shuttle service will be provided from the lot.